The driver of a suspected Sydney
“kill crew” who allegedly crashed a luxury SUV while fleeing police will remain
in custody after a court hearing.
Magdy Hassan, 20, appeared at
Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday seeking bail. He faces multiple charges, including
weapons offences and driving a stolen vehicle.
Hassan, along with Rodger Tell, 19,
and Kabu Bringi, 22, were apprehended after the black Mercedes they were
travelling in collided with a parked car in Merrylands West on Monday
afternoon.
Police allege the vehicle had been
stolen and was part of a “kill car” operation linked to organised crime.
Court documents indicate Hassan,
described by his lawyer as a “dedicated brother, warehouse worker and Blance
Apparel entrepreneur,” was allegedly behind the wheel when the Mercedes hit the
parked vehicle on Paton Street.
Remarkably, the police pursuit was
triggered by a tip from a group of schoolchildren.
Students reportedly spotted the
masked occupants driving the SUV and recorded footage before alerting
authorities.
Detective Superintendent Simon
Glasser described the children’s report as “vital,” adding, “We acted upon it
straight away and we had some results.”
Police allege the vehicle reached
speeds of up to 80km/h as it attempted to evade authorities before finally
crashing in a cul-de-sac.
At the scene, officers seized a
loaded sawn-off shotgun and several jerrycans of petrol. Hassan, Tell and
Bringi were arrested nearby.
A fourth suspect, described by
police as “armed and dangerous,” remains at large.
Authorities are investigating the
suspected trio’s intentions at the time of the incident.
Detective Glasser said the arrest
disrupted potential further serious crimes, highlighting the sophistication and
planning involved in these operations.
Hassan also faces additional charges
including pursuit offences and failing to display P-plates.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Dressed in prison greens, the aspiring fashion entrepreneur remained silent as his lawyer argued that he could be safely released to live with his family in Penrith and would avoid associating with members of the gang known as APK.
The police prosecutor opposed bail,
describing Hassan as an “extreme risk” to the community.
“He’s driving, [the crew] is armed
with a loaded sawed-off shotgun,” the prosecutor told the court.
“The court should consider what they
were up to and the facts should raise a significant concern of public safety.”
Hassan was refused bail, with his
next court appearance scheduled for January 16, 2026.
Tell and Bringi are expected in
court on Thursday.
Detective Glasser noted that the
Mercedes was “characteristic of the kill cars” used in Sydney’s recent
organised crime-linked shootings, underscoring the level of planning behind
such operations.
